Collected Reports of Adverse Reactions to MSG
January 1, 1995
Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to produce a
variety of adverse reactions in certain people. These reactions,
although seemingly dissimilar, are no more diverse than the
reactions found as side effects of certain neurological drugs.
We do not know why some people experience reactions and others do
not. We do not know whether MSG "causes" the condition underlying
the reaction, or whether the underlying condition is simply
aggravated by the ingestion of MSG. We only know that the
reactions listed below are sometimes caused or exacerbated by
ingestion of MSG.
All forms of MSG (free glutamic acid that occur in food as a
consequence of manufacture) cause these reactions in MSG-
sensitive people. Names of offending ingredients used to hide
MSG in products include: MSG, glutamic acid, glutamate,
hydrolyzed protein, sodium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, yeast
nutrient, yeast food, natural flavoring, and a host of other
ingredients. In addition, the MSG produced when a protease
enzyme or other reactive agent is allowed to interact with
protein during product manufacture can bring on these same
adverse reactions in MSG sensitive persons; and there is often no
clue on the product label that such an interaction is taking
place.
Cardiac
Arrhythmias
Numbness or paralysis
Seizures
Extreme drop in blood pressure
Slurred speech
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Angina
Circulatory
Swelling
Muscular
Flu-like achiness
Joint pain
Stiffness
Neurological
Depression
Dizziness
Light-headedness
Loss of balance
Disorientation
Mental confusion
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Hyperactivity
Behavioral problems in children
Lethargy
Sleepiness
Insomnia
Migraine headache
Digestive
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Stomach cramps
Irritable bowel
Bloating
Respiratory
Asthma
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Tightness
Runny nose
Sneezing
Skin
Hives or rash
Mouth lesions
Temporary tightness or partial paralysis
(numbness or tingling) of the skin
Flushing
Extreme dryness of the mouth
Urological
Swelling of prostate
Nocturia
Visual
Blurred vision
Difficulty focusing
Truth in Labeling Campaign, P. O. Box 2532, Darien, IL 60561